Although close to the Costa Blanca, the dramatic massif of Sierra de Aitana has remained a secret from all but a few discerning visitors. We follow traditional footpaths and mule tracks, mostly along ridge lines, giving us spectacular panoramic vistas, and then descend to beautiful valleys with natural springs, fantastic limestone amphitheatres, and where castles dot distant hilltops. The rocky peaks and steep valleys which sweep down to the Mediterranean coast, benefit from the privilege of a warm climate for over 300 days of the year, making it an ideal location for out-of-season walking.

From Benimantell we drive to Guadalest water dam and climb on a track to Portet de Castells. From here, we make our way up Penyo Gelat and Penya Alta (1,219m), where we are rewarded with breathtaking views of the horseshoe-shaped Guadalest Valley. We then descend along the northern slope of Morro Blau via the 'Correuero' (or postmans route), passing beneath the ruins of the region's most ancient Moorish defensive point, known as Castellet, en route.
The day ends by walking through avocado and citrus orchards to reach the village of Bolulla, from where we join the short transfer (approx. 35mins) back to Benimantell.

3Day 3Ascend Serrella Peak for vistas of the Aitana Range; descend via a spectacular gorge to Beniardá; visit a local olive oil factory.

After a short transfer to Abdet, we begin by ascending to Pico Serrella (1,323m) and follow the western spine of Serrella to Mallada del Llop (1,361m). We usually stop for a picnic lunch here to take in the sweeping views of the Aitana Range, and even the Valencia Mountains on a clear day.
After lunch we descend the spectacular and remote Barranc de la Canal Gorge with its two parallel fins of upturned limestone strata leading to an abandoned farmhouse at Penyeta de la Hedra. During the last stretch we enjoy pleasant views of terraced olive groves and centenary carob trees, which lead us to the village of Beniardá.
In Beniardá there's time to visit the local olive oil factory, a small scale outfit producing award-winning olive oils. Afterwards we can either walk or be transferred back to our accommodation in Benimantell. See more images and videos

From the pension we walk along the northern slopes up to the Font de Partagat and then scramble through Pas de la Rabosa, the only natural break on the Aitana, which gives access to the summit from this north side. We have lunch at the Simas limestone fissures, up to 90m deep, situated on a ridge near the summit of Aitana. It is an impressive geological formation and a perfect picnic spot. Weather permitting, it's possible to climb the summit (optional). We make our way down to the village of Sella - possibly the most scenic descent and dramatic views of the whole trek! We stay at a family-run guesthouse, perched a thousand feet up on the slopes of the Aitana peak and under the shelter of the dramatic Puig Campana, with wonderful views and often beautiful sunsets over this fabulous mountain. See more images and videos

5Day 5We make our way to Barranc de l'Arc and walk through El Salt down to the Barranc de Sanchet.

We make our way to Barranc de l'Arc, where we access the spectacular limestone peaks and needles of Pena Roc and walk through El Salt down to the Barranc de Sanchet. This area enchants people with its soaring towers and walls of rock all around. Early sunset lights will catch the spine of the jagged Castellets Ridge that stretches down to Orxeta. On the way to Sella we discover beautiful 'huertas', green orchards with citrus plantations, vegetable gardens and ancient irrigation channels.

6Day 6Free day to explore Sella or take an optional day trip to the coast, with options ranging from a guided tour of Vila Joiosa to a visit to the chocolate museum.

A free day to relax or explore the lovely village of Sella, visiting the hermita (shrine), the Moli de Baix (one of the best preserved water mills of the Mediterranean, just under our guest house!). Alternatively, head for a quiet beach near the town of Vila Joiosa, visit the chocolate museum, or head to Altea where there are handicraft shops and art galleries (transfers not included).See more images and videos

7Day 7Climb Puig Campana.

A fairly tough walk to complete the week - the summit of the Puig Campana (1,410m) with 360 degree panoramic views! Almost all of the peaks and ridges traversed on the previous days may be seen. On the other side the Mediterranean stretches to the horizon. We approach the north face of this mountain along good trails and paths, embarking on a gentle climb passing the Collao del Llamp to the Collao Pouet, the actual base of the mountain. From here, we climb a new footpath on the north face of this spectacular peak, returning to our vehicle by the Sacarest access, over the Castellets. Return by vehicle to Sella.

Your images

Adult Group

This is a small group adult holiday. The group is usually between 4 and 16 in size, with an average of 12 like-minded clients booking individually, in a couple or as friends together.

Activity level

You are moderately fit and have an interest in remote or challenging environments. Some previous experience is required for activity based trips.

What's included

What's included

All breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners (local wine with dinner)

All accommodation (see below)

All transport and listed activities

Tour leader throughout

Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)

What's not included

Travel insurance

Single accommodation (available on request)

Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation details

Pension & Guesthouse

You will spend 3 nights at El Trestellador in the village of Benimantell; a clean and simple pension with a lovely garden and terrace, en suite rooms and which is locally renowned for its excellent traditional cuisine.

The remaining 4 nights are spent at Casa Roc in Sella, a charming guesthouse perched a thousand feet up on the slopes beneath Aitana Peak. The 9 rooms here are split between 4 houses and share 4 bathrooms. The homely character of this place and the hospitality of the couple who run it is certain to outweigh any disadvantage of sharing services. There are communal terraces and lounge areas to relax in during the evenings.

Single rooms are very limited on this trip but can be requested for a supplement of GBP145. Please enquire at the time of booking for availability.

Essential info

Vaccinations and Visa
No visa required for British passport holders.
There are no specific health risks. Holiday style

In 5 days of walking, we climb four summits (Serrella, Aixorta, Aitana and Puig Campagna) with approximately 1,000m of ascent on each. We take traditional footpaths and mule tracks and some cross-country terrain, giving us spectacular panoramic vistas, helping us to appreciate the scale of these mountains and to get to know the coastline. Walk durations vary but are usually around 7hours per day (including stops).

Some paths are quite rocky and there are some sustained ascents/descents as well as the occasional scree section and short scramble. The steepest terrain can be found during the ascent of Puig Campagna, which requires steady footing and a bit of will power. There are short sections which may affect severe vertigo sufferers.

Sierra Aitana is very rich in flora and fauna and along the walks we will see a great variety of birds and flowers. Castles dot distant hilltops, and we visit springs and snow wells as well as having plenty of time to soak up village life. In the evenings the hosts of our characterful family-run guesthouses will make us feel right at home.

Altitude maximum 1558m, average 1100m.

Eating & drinking

All breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners are included.

Breakfast is usually continental style with a choice of fresh fruit, bread, pastries, ham, cheese, cereal, yoghurt, and tea and coffee. Our local leader, José takes great care in making picnic lunches, which vary daily but usually consist of a piece of fruit, biscuits and nuts, as well as a hearty sandwich packed with seasonal produce ranging from local cheese to roasted vegetables, salad and meats.

In the evenings we enjoy a variety of local cuisine ranging from spencat, minxos (small pancakes) and oven-baked rice. Both guesthouses produce their own olive oil and most of food is freshly prepared from locally grown seasonal produce. Fine local wine is always provided with the evening meal.

Vegetarians are well catered for, given prior notice, as are most other special dietary requirements; please advise us of these at the time of booking.

Trip notes

Download the detailed trip notes for everything you could possibly want to know about this trip, including
detailed itinerary and full kit list

Weather & seasonality

This area is known to have the most benign climate in the whole of Europe. The winters are generally mild and sunny, with more than 300 days of sunshine a year. At night however, temperatures can be chilly, especially in the mountains. The little rainfall is usually concentrated in very few days at the beginning of autumn, but rain cannot be discounted altogether on any of the departures. The daytime temperatures in winter usually vary between 14 and 20degC depending on altitude and orientation. These winter temperatures are ideal for walking although, with the exception of the months of July and August, one can walk here the whole year round. In spring and autumn temps should be between 25 and 30degC but May, June and September departures may experience some even warmer days, up to 35degC.

Gallery

Reviews & community

Excellent holiday – the grade for this holiday is 4 Moderate/Challenging however, the walks were more challenging than some “challenging” holidays we have been on.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

There were so many but we particularly liked the walk on day 3 – Sierra de Serrella – the views and scenery were spectacular, we were walking in snow for part of this walk and had to do a bit of scrambling as well, which was very different.

What did you think of your group leader?

Jose was very knowledgeable about the whole area and told us a lot about this history etc. His enthusiasm and passion for this region shone through. Also, the sandwiches he prepared for us were excellent – very tasty and filling.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take walking poles with you – they are helpful on some of the steeper descents.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This is an excellent holiday in an unspoilt part of Spain. It is also very quiet with very few other walkers.

Excellent holiday – the grade for this holiday is 4 Moderate/Challenging however, the walks were more challenging than some “challenging” holidays we have been on.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

There were so many but we particularly liked the walk on day 3 – Sierra de Serrella – the views and scenery were spectacular, we were walking in snow for part of this walk and had to do a bit of scrambling as well, which was different.

What did you think of your group leader?

Jose was very knowledgeable about the whole area and told us a lot about the history etc. His enthusiasm and passion for this region shone through. Also, the sandwiches he prepared for us were excellent – very tasty and filling.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take walking poles with you – they are helpful on some of the steeper descents.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This is an excellent holiday in an unspoilt part of Spain. It is also very quiet with very few other walkers.

Prior to life in the Exodus office Jim made his living teaching outdoor education in Cornwall, progressing into guiding during the British winter and moving out to Tanzania around the turn of the millenium. It is here that Jim joined Exodus leading many of our groups on Africa's highest mountains, before escaping away in the rainy seasons to destinations like Nepal and Japan. Now 'Head of Product' Jim is responsible for keeping Exoduss range of experiences at the forefront of adventure travel.

Questions about your trip

Pick your question

Can I make my own way to the start hotel?

The start hotel is located in the village of Benimantell which is approximately an hour and a quarter drive from Alicante airport, depending on traffic. As such, it can be difficult to get to by yourself and we encourage you to join the group transfer if possible.

Private arrival transfers from Alicante Airport to Benimantell (and/or departure transfers from the end hotel in Sella) can be pre-booked through Exodus. Pre-booked private arrival/departure transfers cost in the region of £75 each way (prices are per vehicle for 1-4 persons).

Alternatively you should be able to get a taxi from the airport to Benimantell for around 135 Euros. Please contact Exodus for further details.

Jennifer Cox - Product Executive

What is the standard of accommodation like on TSA?

We spend 3 nights in El Trestellador pension in Benimentell and four nights in Casa Roc guesthouse in Sella (except on reverse departures where we spend 4 nights in Benimantell and 3 nights in Sella). Both accommodations are of a good standard and within walking distance of the village amenities.

El Trestellador is a clean and simple family owned pension with a lovely garden and terrace, offering views down the Guadalest Valley. Bed linen and towels are provided and all rooms have en suite bathrooms with a bath and/or shower. Most (if not all) rooms have a window, a TV, air-conditioning/heating, and a hair-dryer. The pension has its own restaurant which is locally renowned for its excellent traditional cuisine; specialities include oven-cooked rice, espencat vegetables and gazpacho manchego.

Casa Roc is a charming guesthouse perched a thousand feet up on the slopes beneath Aitana Peak in Sella. The 9 rooms here are split between 4 houses and share 4 bathrooms (however for smaller groups we may not use all of the houses). The homely character of this place and the hospitality of the couple who run it is certain to outweigh any disadvantage of sharing services. There are also communal kitchens, terraces, and lounge areas to relax in during the evenings. There's free tea and coffee, an honesty wine/beer fridge, and maps and leaflets available for your free day too. You will not go hungry here – delicious dinners are all home cooked by your hosts, freshly prepared in an open kitchen.

Single rooms can be pre-booked for a supplement, however please note that these are limited and are available on a first come first served basis. Please ask your Sales Consultant for further details.

Jennifer Cox - Product Executive

How difficult will the walking be in the Sierra de Aitana?

The routes vary in length from about 7 to 8½ hours walking per day (including rest breaks, photo stops and a picnic lunch) and we cover in the region of 17-22km on each walk. In 5 days of walking we climb four summits; Serrella (1,361m), Aixortá (1,160m), Aitana (1,558m) and Puig Campana (1,410m) with approx 1,000m of ascent on each of these days.

The trip itself is classified as moderate to challenging grade (activity level 4) taking into account the pace, duration and distance of the walks as well as the amounts of ascent/descent and the terrain under foot. You should have some prior experience of walking and be used to regular exercise.

The majority of the paths we follow are footpaths and mule tracks with a gentle to moderate gradient, though there are also some sustained ascents/descents and some rocky sections and scree slopes. The ascent of Puig Campana is the toughest walk of the week but is entirely optional.

Is it safe to drink the tap water on TSA?

Yes, the tap water is perfectly safe to drink throughout the trip and in both of the accommodations. During the walks you will also be able to refill your water bottles from streams and drinking fountains along the routes - your leader will adivise how much water you should carry during the walks and where the next chance to refill your bottles will be.

Jennifer Cox - Product Executive

When is the best time of year to see the almond blossom?

The best time of year to see the beautiful pink almond blossom in bloom is usually February, March and early April (although please note that this depends on the year to some extent).

Jennifer Cox - Product Executive

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